This article analyzes such concepts as “ecological competences” and “ecological competence”, while proving that ecological competences are a part of general cultural competences for high-school graduates. It provides graduates with the ability to evaluate the results and consequences of their activities from a standpoint of biosphere compatibility and minimizing damage to the environment, as well as an understanding of the essence of the natural limits to modern socio-economic development and the reasons for ecological crises. Environmental disciplines should reflect a systematical understanding of humans’ place in the global ecosphere; they should analyze economic activity as being part of the biosphere, as well as tier interactions in worldwide, state and social environmental policy. The goal of environmental disciplines is to develop in bachelors a basic idea of the modern environmental discipline system and the essence of the natural limits to modern socio-economic development. Accumulating knowledge about the system of interactions between human beings and the surrounding environment is the first step towards developing ecological culture, and that is why educational programs at higher educational facilities must include environmental disciplines. Analyzed is the amount of environmental disciplines in educational programs at universities, using the Ural Federal University as an example. The highest amount of environmental disciplines is available in the group of technical specialties, while the majority of educational programs in such fields of study as “social sciences” and “humanitarian sciences” do not include the basics of ecology. Described is the reason why there are no formal obstacles for including environmental disciplines in bachelor’s educational programs. Issues concerning ecological studies in universities are examined. Substantiated is the need for widespread ecological studies, with it being the first step when it comes to developing ecological culture among the populace.

sociology, ecological studies, ecological competence, higher school, environment protection, ecological culture.

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